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News Release Archive
Increased Flows May Occur at Link River Dam
Media Contact:
Russell Grimes, 916-978-5100, rwgrimes@usbr.gov
For Release: March 21, 2017
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – The Bureau of Reclamation and PacifiCorp may be increasing releases from Upper Klamath Lake at Link River Dam to maintain adequate flood control capacity in Upper Klamath Lake. The increased releases, if needed, would be a result of increased inflows to Upper Klamath Lake due to recent and forecasted precipitation in the Upper Klamath Basin. The exact timing and magnitude of increased releases will be dependent upon the actual precipitation that occurs in the Upper Klamath Basin over the next several days.
Link River flows may increase to a maximum of 7,700 cfs, and Iron Gate Dam releases may increase to a maximum of 12,000 cfs. If increased releases are warranted, the risks of flooding in the Klamath River downstream of Iron Gate Dam will be evaluated and the releases will be made in a manner that does not exacerbate flooding conditions along the Klamath River corridor.
Residents and those recreating along the Link and Klamath rivers, and on Lake Ewauna, should be aware, expect rising water, and take appropriate precautions.
This flow release is being done for flood control purposes but may also provide ecologic benefits including contributing to fish disease mitigation in the Klamath River below Iron Gate Dam.
For additional information, please contact Laura Williams, Reclamation’s Klamath Basin Area Office, at 541-880-2581 (TTY 800-877-8339) or ljwilliams@usbr.gov.
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